LUCENA CITY — Taal Volcano in Batangas has recorded a slight uptick in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions over the past 24 hours, according to the latest monitoring report from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) released on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
The agency reported that the volcano emitted 271 metric tons of sulfur dioxide on Wednesday. While this is classified as a “weak emission,” it is notably higher than the daily average of 180 metric tons observed since mid-January.
Visual and Seismic Activity
- Gas Plumes: Volcanic gas plumes reached heights of 450 meters above Taal Volcano Island (Pulo) before drifting southwest over Taal Lake.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity remains relatively low, with only two volcanic earthquakes recorded during the monitoring period. However, a continuous tremor event that began on Wednesday morning is still ongoing.
- Vog Status: PHIVOLCS noted that no volcanic smog, or “vog,” was observed, and there were no signs of hot volcanic fluids upwelling in the main crater lake.
Alert Level 1 Remains Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, signifying low-level volcanic unrest. PHIVOLCS reminded the public that the volcano is still in an “abnormal condition.” The agency emphasized that current observations do not mean the threat of eruptive activity has ceased.
Under Alert Level 1, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Entry into the Taal Volcano Island (Permanent Danger Zone), especially the Main Crater and Daang Kastila fissures.
- Boating on Taal Lake.
- Flying any aircraft close to the volcano.
Local government units (LGUs) in Batangas continue to monitor the situation, particularly in coastal communities around the lake, as the volcano—the country’s second most active—maintains its state of low-intensity unrest.